[Sing for your health!] Popular songs among seniors. Also recommended for recreational activities.
Music has always enriched people’s hearts, no matter the era.
For older adults as well, there are surely countless songs filled with memories.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are popular among seniors.
Just listening to a nostalgic tune can make you feel as if you’ve time-traveled back to those days.
Let’s listen to the songs you used to sing when you were young and reminisce together.
For seniors, singing can support health by improving cardiopulmonary function, stimulating the brain, and promoting emotional stability.
Of course, it’s wonderful to listen to your favorite songs—and we recommend humming along too.
- [For Seniors] Songs Everyone Can Sing Together! A Roundup of Recommended Crowd-Pleasers
- Ranking of popular songs for senior citizens
- [For Seniors] Let’s Have Fun Together! Introducing Uplifting, Energizing Songs
- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
- [For Seniors] Crowd-Pleasers! A Collection of Classic Karaoke Songs
- [For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Care Activities and Events! Crowd-Pleasers That Bring Joy
- [For Seniors] Popular Karaoke Songs That Everyone Can Enjoy Together
- [For Seniors] A heartwarming round song. Let’s layer our voices with this nostalgic classic.
- [For Seniors] Spring Songs You'll Want to Hum: Feel the Season with Nostalgic Classics
- Also great for dementia care! Recommended dance songs for people in their 70s: Let’s dance to those classic hits
- Recreation Popularity Rankings for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Popular Summer Songs: Selections That Liven Up Karaoke
- [Brain Training for Seniors] Recommended Hand-Play Recreation for Dementia Prevention
[Sing and Stay Healthy!] Popular Songs for Seniors. Also Recommended for Recreation (51–60)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu
Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.
It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.
Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).
Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.
A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.
It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.
Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?
Swim, Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato
Though it’s a children’s song, Shimon Masato’s “Swim! Taiyaki-kun” remains etched in the memories of people across generations.
The unique story of a taiyaki that had only ever been grilled on a hotplate suddenly dashing out of the shop one day and setting off to swim across the open sea is unforgettable! The distinctively quirky vocals perfectly match the taiyaki-kun’s characterful lyrics.
With its relaxed melody, it’s an easy song to sing—even for older adults who aren’t confident at karaoke.
The tune naturally sinks into your ears and body, so sway along and clap your hands as you enjoy it!
teacherMori Masako
Although it was Masako Mori’s debut single, “Sensei” is also known as one of her signature songs.
Its nostalgic, simple melody that evokes the mood of Showa-era pop, along with lyrics about a tender, secret crush on a teacher from a young girl’s perspective, leave a strong impression.
The tempo is easy to follow, making it a great recommendation for seniors to sing at karaoke! If you include this song in a day-service karaoke activity, you could spice it up with hand clapping to build excitement and add call-and-response parts in the chorus.
365 Steps MarchSuizenji Kiyoko
It is one of Kiyoko Suizenji’s signature songs.
It also drew attention as a case where Kiyoko Suizenji, known for her work as an enka singer, performed a kayōkyoku-style song.
As the title suggests, the piece evokes a march, conveying a positive feeling of moving forward.
It depicts steadily advancing toward the future, and simply listening to it brings a sense of joy.
The lively rhythm of the march is a major highlight, likely creating a fun, immersive atmosphere that draws in everyone present.
[Sing for Your Health!] Popular Songs Among Seniors. Also Recommended for Recreation (61–70)
signpostFukuyama Masaharu
The song I’d like you to sing while reflecting on the life your father has walked is Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Michi Shirube” (Signpost).
Released in 2009 as the B-side to the single “Keshin,” this song was written by Fukuyama with his grandmother in mind.
Just like Fukuyama’s grandmother, perhaps your elderly father also worked hard for his family and showed you the path you should take.
Think of your father’s hardships, hold the feelings he gave you close to your heart, and try singing it on Father’s Day.
Shopping BoogieKasaogi Shizuko
Boogie is a music genre loved by many people in Japan as well.
The woman hailed as its queen was Shizuko Kasagi.
One of her signature songs, “Kaimono Boogie” (Shopping Boogie), is also famous.
It’s a track that sings about a shopping trip in the Osaka dialect.
The boogie hallmark of repeating the same phrases is used to great effect, conjuring up the bustle of the market and the lively, buzzing scene.
In particular, that impactful section is unforgettable once you hear it.
This is a song that’s sure to get everyone excited singing along.
Perfect for warming up your body, too.
Journey of the Heartchūrippu
“Kokoro no Tabi” is a classic hit by Tulip.
Its lyrics, themed around a bittersweet breakup, really resonate.
Released in 1973, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The innovative structure that starts with the chorus is also appealing.
Guitarist Tatsuya Himeno’s sweet vocals are especially memorable.
For older listeners, it’s a song that brings back memories of their youth.
It’s also great for karaoke.
Singing can help improve cardiopulmonary function and stimulate the brain.
Why not spend a heartwarming moment, wrapped in nostalgia?